Required Protocols For In-Office Visits During Covid- 19

Per updated recommendations from the GDA, dental offices can now re-open for “the full scope of their services.” We have previously only been open for emergency dental care. Our office is prepared with all of the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and we will be adhering to the highest standards of sterilization, and to the American Dental Association’s (“ADA”) “Interim Guidance for Minimizing Risk for COVID-19 Transmission” as well as the ADA’s “Interim Mask and Face Shield Guidelines”

In accordance with those guidelines please note the following:

1. Prior to arriving at our office, you must have completed the “Pre In-Office Screening, Consent to Receive Treatment During COVID-19 & Protocol for In-Office Visits during COVID-19” Form in your Patient Portal. A link to this form will be emailed to you 2 days before your appointment. Please fill out the form as soon as you receive it.

2. When you arrive please come on up to the office to complete the remainder of your Check-In Forms on the computer in the Reception area. Your temp will be checked prior to being escorted into your room/ operatory.

3. Per the updated ADA “Interim Guidance for Minimizing Risk for COVID-19 Transmission” all Patients and Necessary Companions are required to wear a mask when entering the office and at all times while inside unless undergoing Treatment.

4. In the event that you have to reschedule for your recommended Treatment or Cleaning please be considerate of our Team Members and know that we are doing everything we can to care for our patients.

We always try to be as accommodating as possible to our patients, however, if you are scheduled for an exam and x-ray appointment to evaluate a problem area please be aware that we cannot guarantee same day Treatment. While this has always been our office policy and we value our patients’ time and always do our very best to accommodate same-day Treatment whenever possible, due to limited resources at this time we may simply not have the time or staff to perform Treatment that was not previously recommended.

5. In the event that you have to reschedule for your recommended Treatment please be considerate of our Team Members and know that we are doing everything we can to care for our patients.

6. Also, in order to facilitate social distancing, note that we will not be able to accept cash or checks at this time, so please be prepared with an alternative form of payment via debit/credit or financing.

This is new territory for everyone, but we hope this message gives you answers and confidence in how Dental TLC is keeping our patients, staff, and community safe.

Once again, thank you for your trust in Dental TLC!

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Click here to view : Important Information On Hours of Operation & Our Office Patient Criteria & Safety Protocols

Important Information On Hours of Operation, Our Office Patient Screening Criteria, & Safety Protocols 05/01/2020

Hours of Operation, Our Office Patient Screening Criteria, & Safety Protocols 09-15-2020

Hours Of Operation

Monday 7:00am-6:45pm  

Tuesday 7:00am-6:45pm

Wednesday 7:00am- 3:45pm

Thursday 7:00am-6:45pm 

Friday 7:00am-3:45pm   

Saturday – CLOSED through the end of 2020

Patient Screening Criteria and Protocols

Please click here to review our  Protocols For In Office Visits During Covid-19

In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and raised pandemic alert status by the World Health Organization, Dental TLC is taking precautions to lessen the spread of the virus.  All visitors who enter our office at this time must complete the electronic Pre-screening form and Treatment Consent PRIOR to any in-office visit. In addition, upon arrival your temperature will be taken to ensure that you are not running a fever of 100.4 or greater prior to being seen or treated in our office.

It is important that you disclose to our office if you have been advised to self-quarantine because of exposure to someone with COVID-19 or you are experiencing any symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection.

Please review the following screening criteria before visiting our office:

  • Have you been advised to self-quarantine because of exposure to someone with COVID-19?
  • Have you tested Positive for COVID-19 within the last 14 days?
  • Have you been tested for COVID-19 due to symptoms or possible exposure and are awaiting test results?
  • Have you had experienced the following?
    • Fever of 100.40F/ 37.80C within the past 24 hours
    • New Loss of Taste or Smell

OR Acute Respiratory Illness with at least 2 of the following

  • Cough
  • Sore Throat
  • Runny Nose
  • Nasal Congestion or Runny Nose
  • Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
  • Fever or Chills
  • Nausea or Vomiting.

If you answered YES to any of the questions above please do not visit our office at this time and contact your doctor for further advice.

Please note that we will be taking the temperature of all patients upon check-in.

If you do not meet the criteria above and have an urgent care need, we ask that you contact our office to speak to the doctor or treatment coordinator on staff to help better direct you on the next necessary steps. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Our Practice Safety Protocols

Behind the Scenes Preparation at Dental TLC

  • The Dental TLC team is meeting daily to assess our preparedness and response.
  • Our staff has always followed and will continue to follow the CDC’s Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings—2003
  • We are now requiring all patients to sanitize their hands with hand sanitizer at check-in and check-out.
  • Screening Patients for signs/symptoms of infection prior to appts and taking temperature readings upon arrival at the appointment.
  • Asking that patients limit extra companions at the time of their appointment to only essential people
  • Use of all appropriate Personal Protective Equipment as directed by the CDC and ADA
  • Disinfecting Check-In and Check-Out stations after each Patient
  • Cleaning and disinfecting public areas frequently, including hand rails, door handles, chairs and bathrooms.
  • Use of Isolite Technology to dramatically reduce aerosols that are generated by high-speed handpieces. Please click here for more information.
  • Light-Induced Oxidation Air Purification System
  • Using a rubber dam when appropriate to decrease possible exposure to infectious agents.
  • Using high velocity evacuation to remove airborne contamination for dental procedures producing an aerosol
  • Having patients rinse with a 1% hydrogen peroxide solution before each appointment to kill oral microorganisms.

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One of our very own is helping out for a great cause: Covid-19 03/24/2020

While Dental TLC in Sandy Springs, Ga is temporarily shut down, one our incredible hygienists is using her time wisely.

As medical professionals search for more PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), Barbara from Dental TLC is trying to help. She has been making homemade face masks from her home to aid medical professionals in need.

So far she has donated to nurses that her daughter knows from high school. The majority of her hand-made masks have been donated to a company called Personal Care, who handles home health care for the medically needy. 

If you would like to help contribute to this awesome cause click on this link to learn how to make these masks using this how-to video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCJcE-r7kcg. It includes instructions on what fabrics to use, measurements and a sewing guide.

Insiders information: Joann Fabrics are currently working with hospitals to contribute. 

While these are not the recommended N95 masks, the CDC guidelines permit healthcare professionals to wear homemade cotton masks as “last resort”. HCP are beyond grateful for what the volunteers are doing (see link below for more information).

https://www.11alive.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid19-masks-volunteers-homemade-healthcare-workers-professionals-sewing-cdc/85-324877b3-02c4-42ae-8809-fc002ef1d79b

#11alive #wsbtv #fox5atlanta  #personalcareinc #joannfabrics

#fabricfacemasksforhealthcare #PPE

Dentaltlc.com #AtlantasFUNdentalexperiene

 

 

Dental TLC’s Updated Message About COVID-19 : Important Information On Hours of Operation & Our Office Criteria/ Guidelines 03/19/2020

Dear Dental TLC Patients,

Thank you for your continued support and trust in Dental TLC. Our priority is the health and safety of our patients, staff and community.

We continue to stay up to date on the evolving situation to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Our information and responses are based on reports from the CDC and the Georgia Dental Association (GDA). The purpose of this email is to give updated information and ask for your continued partnership.

On March 17, 2020 the GDA released an advisory notice that recommends Dentists to post-pone elective care for fifteen (15) days. Due to this updated information Dental TLC has made the decision to remain open for LIMTED HOURS AND LIMITED TREATMENT/URGENT CARE ONLY starting Monday, March 23, 2020.

If you need urgent care our office will be open Monday through Thursday 8am-4pm.

Urgent care includes any patient needs listed below:

  • Dental pain (constant throbbing pain lasting for several days)
  • Swelling of the gums, face, neck
  • Signs of an infection such as a draining site
  • Trauma to face, jaw, teeth
  • Broken tooth (not just a chip)
  • Final bridge/crown cementation ONLY if the temporary restoration is broken, lost, or causing pain.

If you are a patient who needs to visit our office, we still ask that you adhere to the following guidelines:

First, please abide by the prevention techniques outlined by the CDC, such as hand washing, avoid touching face, cover cough, etc.

Second, please review the following screening criteria before visiting our office:

  • Have you traveled to mainland China, Hong Kong (including transit), Taiwan, Macau, Northern Italy, South Korea, Iran or Iraq in the past 14 days? If yes, Dental TLC asks you not to visit our office at this time – please contact our office to reschedule.
  • Have you had close contact with any possible source of Coronavirus (COVID-19)? (Example: Any known cases within your place of employment, a traveler who has recently been to the above locations or other areas affected by the virus). If yes, Dental TLC asks you not to visit our office at this time – please contact our office to reschedule.
  • Have you had a fever of 100.40F/ 37.80C within the past 24 hours or Acute respiratory illness with at least 2 of the following; Cough, Sore Throat, Runny Nose, Nasal Congestion. If yes, Dental TLC asks you not to visit our office at this time – please contact our office to reschedule. Please note that we will be taking the temperature of all patients upon check-in.

If you meet the criteria above and have an urgent care need, we ask that you contact our office during our urgent care hours to speak to the doctor on staff to help better direct you on the next necessary steps.

We currently anticipate re-opening our regular hours on Monday, April 6th.  However, this could change as we continually reassess the status of the evolving coronavirus situation.

 

Dental TLC’s Updated Message About The Coronavirus 03/17/2020

Dear Dental TLC Patients,

Thank you for your continued support and trust in Dental TLC. Our priority is the health and safety of our patients, staff and community.

Our office is still open, and we plan to remain open unless we receive a governmental direction to close. If at any point we must close the office both our phone system and website will be updated to reflect.

We continue to stay up to date on the dynamic response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Our information and responses are based on reports from the CDC. The purpose of this email is to give updated information and ask for your continued partnership.

Your Partnership in Prevention and Self-Isolation

First, please adhere to the prevention techniques outlined by the CDC, such as hand washing, avoid touching face, cover cough, etc.

Second, please review the following screening criteria before visiting our facility:

  • Have you traveled to mainland China, Hong Kong (including transit), Taiwan, Macau, Northern Italy, South Korea, Iran or Iraq in the past 14 days? If yes, Dental TLC asks you not to visit our facility at this time – please contact our office to reschedule.
  • Have you had close contact with any possible source of Coronavirus (COVID-19)? (Example: a traveler who has recently been to the above locations or other areas affected by the virus or any known cases within your place of employment). If yes, Dental TLC asks you not to visit our facility at this time – please contact our office to reschedule.
  • Have you had a fever of 100.40F/ 37.80C within the past 24 hours and Acute Respiratory Illness with at least 2 of the following; Cough, Sore Throat, Runny Nose, Nasal Congestion. If yes, Dental TLC asks you not to visit our facility at this time – please contact our office to reschedule. Please note that we will be taking the temperature of all patients upon check-in.

If you meet the criteria above, we ask that you contact our office to reschedule your visit and then contact your doctor for further advice.

Lastly, if you are sixty years of age or older or have an immunocompromised condition and have a scheduled preventative or non-emergency visit with us, we strongly recommend that you contact our office as soon as possible, so that we can get your appointment rescheduled.

Behind the Scenes Preparation at Dental TLC

  • The Dental TLC team is meeting daily to assess our preparedness and response.  We still feel that we can continue to safely care for our patients. If at any point, we close our office our phone system and website will be updated to reflect.
  • We are doubling down on our efforts to clean and sanitize our office. For example, we have purchased additional cleaning supplies for the administration areas to spray and sanitize all surfaces. We are taking extra care to clean handrails, doorknobs, bathrooms, chair backs, and tables multiple times a day. Our cleaning company is taking extra precautions in the evenings to do the same. We are working with vendors to ensure a continued supply of cleaning products and protective equipment for employees. We will continue to do this as an additional precaution to prioritize the health and wellness of our patients, staff and community.
  • Our staff has always followed and will continue to follow the CDC’s Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings—2003
  • We are now REQUIRING all patients to sanitize their hands with hand sanitizer at check-in and check-out.
  • For most of our front office team interactions with patients are electronic,if they have any physical interaction with patients, they will also use hand sanitizer afterward.
  • We are working with our team to open some additional days in the future to help accommodate patients that need to reschedule their appointment/s.

This is new territory for everyone, but I hope this message gives you answers and confidence in how Dental TLC is keeping our patients, staff, and community safe.

Once again, thank you for your trust in Dental TLC!

A Word From Dental TLC About the Coronavirus

Dear Dental TLC Patients,

Thank you for your continued support and trust in Dental TLC. Our priority is the health and safety of our patients, staff and community.i

We continue to stay up to date on the dynamic response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our information and responses are based on reports from the CDC and the American Dental Association. The purpose of this email is to give information and ask for your partnership.

Your Partnership in Prevention and Self-Isolation

First, please adhere to the prevention techniques outlined by the CDC, such as hand washing, avoid touching face, cover cough, etc.

Second, if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms listed here, and you have a scheduled preventative or non-emergency visit with us, please call or email our office as soon as possible, so that we can get your appointment rescheduled.

Lastly, if you have traveled to or been in close contact with anyone who has traveled to any of the Level 2 or 3 countries listed here, we ask that you follow the CDC recommendation for a 14 day self-isolation to monitor symptoms. The same would apply to any individuals who test positive for COVID-19 or individuals who come in contact with someone who has tested positive. If you need to take this self- precaution and have a preventative or non-emergency dental visit scheduled with us, please call or email our office as soon as possible, so that we can get your appointment rescheduled.

Behind the Scenes Preparation at Dental TLC

• The Dental TLC team is meeting daily to assess our preparedness and response.
• We are doubling down on our efforts to clean and sanitize our office. For example, we have purchased additional cleaning supplies for the administration areas to spray and sanitize all
surfaces. We are taking extra care to clean handrails, doorknobs, bathrooms, chair backs, and tables multiple times a day. Our cleaning company is taking extra precautions in the evenings to do the same. We are working with vendors to ensure a continued supply of cleaning products and protective equipment for employees. We will continue to do this as an additional precaution to prioritize the health and wellness of our patients, staff and community.
• Our staff has always followed and will continue follow the CDC’s Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings—2003
• Also, we are asking all patients to sanitize their hands with hand sanitizer at check-in and check- out and in the operatories as necessary.

As the news shares information about the virus, we realize there are many questions still lingering. This is new territory for everyone, but I hope our correspondence gives you some answers as to how Dental TLC is keeping our patients, staff, and community safe.

Once again, thank you for your trust in Dental TLC !

5 Signs You May Need A Root Canal Scroll to the bottom to redeem a special offer

We all know that horrible feeling. You’ve got a delicious meal in front of you, you take a bite, and out of nowhere…you feel it!

A searing pain in one of your teeth. Or you may not experience any pain at all. It just may “feel weird” and then all sudden you develop a pimple on your gums. But what does it mean?

If you’re worried that you may need a root canal, don’t panic. There are some sure-fire signs to look out for that can put your mind at ease.

Root canals have a bad reputation. At Dental TLC we specialize in changing your perception on this and other dental procedures. We are proud to have an Associate Endodontist (Root Canal Specialist) as a part of our team. He works closely with our general dentists to co-diagnose allowing us to provide our patients with customized, cost effective, and convenient care UNDER ONE ROOF.

The vast majority of root canal procedures proceed painlessly. With modern techniques and anesthetics many of our patients have reported that having a root canal is close to the same experience as having a filling done.

Root canal therapy is imperative to prolong the life of a tooth that may have a deep cavity, fracture, or infection.

Keep reading to learn more and for five signs indicating you may need a root canal. Let’s get started!

 

Severe/ Spontaneous Tooth Pain

“’Spontaneous” …meaning you have a tooth that just starts to cause you significant pain for no other attributable cause, completely out of the blue.

This is a significant sign, because root canals are required when a tooth has decayed to a point that the nerve inside the affected tooth is exposed. The pain can range in severity, and it can also change in sensation as you change positions, like sitting, bending over, laying down etc. If you have spontaneous, significant tooth pain, call your dentist or endodontist immediately.

Discoloration of Teeth

If one of your teeth becomes darker in color than the rest, this can be a sign of infection and/or nerve damage within the tooth. Typically, the affected tooth will take on a gray shadow.

“Pimples” On Your Gums

If you see what appears to be a pus-filled “boil” on your gum, you may be experiencing a tooth infection.

Do NOT attempt to drain such an area. Instead, notify your dentist or endodontist and let them assess the condition.

Gum Swelling or Discomfort

An infected tooth will typically cause some sort of discomfort around the gum tissues. However, the discomfort can take many forms. In some patients, it feels like a relatively painless bump or knot on the gums. In others, the swelling can be noticeable on the outside of the face.

Patients who have previously been diagnosed with gum disease may mistakenly assume that this swelling is a part of gingivitis or periodontal disease. Schedule a consult and we can determine what treatment is best for you.

Prolonged Sensitivity or Painful Chewing

This is another symptom which can be mistaken for something less severe. When patients feel minor discomfort eating something sugary, that can be a sign of a cavity. Painful chewing or pain when biting without food are good reasons to call your dentist immediately.

GENTLE & NON-JUDGMENTAL

Dental TLC Offers You A Comfortable, Convenient & Cost-Effective Experience

Dental TLC believes that going to the dentist should be enjoyable, because you’re doing something good for yourself! Your comfort is our #1 priority! Our talented team is hand-picked to provide you with the best care possible. Free laughing gas is just one of the ways we accumulate our raving fans. We have extended hours of operation to better serve busy Atlanta. Give us a look!

404-255-2273

https://www.dentaltlc.com

290 Hilderbrand Dr. Sandy Springs, Ga 30328

Atlanta’s FUN Dental Experience

 

 

 

August 6th is National Fresh Breath Day

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, may be caused by a number of factors. We all know that pungent foods such as onions or garlic can cause less-than-fresh breath, but dry mouth, periodontal disease and tobacco use can also contribute.

Bad breath can also be caused by bacteria that feed off of food particles and other debris that sticks to teeth to dental braces. Thorough brushing and flossing at least twice a day or after eating should take care of the offending odors. Paying specific attention to your tongue while brushing can also help eliminate odors since bacteria can cling to the tongue’s surface.

If you are concerned about having bad breath after eating, but do not have time to brush afterwards, chewing gum or sucking sugar-free candy can help stimulate saliva flow which helps wash away bacteria and debris.

How to keep your breath so ‘fresh & so clean, clean’…

1) Schedule professional dental cleanings at least 2 x per year. Bacteria lurks and builds up below your gum line in areas that your tooth brush & floss cannot reach.

2) Drinking plenty of water and snacking on crunchy fruits and vegetables such as apples, celery and carrots can also prevent halitosis-causing bacteria from forming.

3) If you smoke, bad breath is one of many health concerns that may affect your decision to quit. Since smoking can cause vitamin C deficiency, which could be contributing to your bad breath, taking a vitamin C supplement may help.

4) Products like breath sprays, mints and mouth wash are also great ways to mask bad breath on the run but will not treat its root cause and may wear off quickly.

🦠If you notice that you are developing chronic bad breath, it is a good idea to schedule a consultation with your dentist.

🦠If your halitosis is caused by gingivitis or periodontal disease, your dentist can offer gum disease treatment.

404-255-2273

https://www.dentaltlc.com

290 Hilderbrand Dr. Sandy Springs, Ga 30328

Atlanta’s FUN Dental Experience

We Are Thankful For Our Awesome Patients -Thanksgiving 2018

Thanksgiving is almost here, reminding us to reflect on the things that matter most in life. At Dental TLC, we have many things to be thankful for, and I cannot think of a better time to list just a few of the things for which we are truly grateful. First and foremost, we are thankful for our patients. The entire Dental TLC team is grateful for the ability to make a positive impact in the lives of so many people. We’re thankful for our hardworking teammates who show dedication and compassion day in and day out. At Dental TLC, we call ourselves “The Tribe,” the bond that holds us all together is our love for each other and our patients. Their incredible and talented spirits fuel the fun environment that Dental TLC is known for. I hope this time of year also has you reflecting on all of the gifts in your life. From all of us at Dental TLC, THANK YOU and we hope that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

 

 

Dental TLC Easter Snapchat Filter Contest

Play for a chance to win your choice of a Sonicare Essence Toothbrush or a $100 gift card.

Snap a selfie using an Easter filter on Snapchat while brushing your teeth. Post the photo on your Facebook Page then Check In with Dental TLC and use the hashtag #dentaltlceastercontest2019 for a chance to win! See instructions below 🙂

This contest BEGINS on April 15, 2019, and ENDS April 22, 2019. The selfie with the most likes by April 22, 2019 wins!

We will announce the winner on Facebook on April 23, 2019.

STEPS TO WIN:

  1. Snap a selfie using an Easter filter on Snapchat while brushing your teeth. Save selfie to your phone from the Snapchat App or export the pic from the snap chat app to Facebook .
  2. Post the photo on your Facebook Page then Check In with Dental TLC and use the hashtag: #dentaltlceastercontest2019
  3. Wait patiently and hope you win!

Now go forth little, brushing bunnies and please keep it clean folks!

LEGAL JARGON:

No purchase or payment is necessary to enter or win. The contest is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law. By participating in the contest, each entrant agrees to abide by all contest rules, including all applicable eligibility requirements and understands that the results of the contest, as determined by Dental TLC and its agents, are final in all respects.

The contest is open to legal residents of their respective countries where not prohibited by law, who are eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of entry who have Internet access and a valid Facebook account prior to the beginning of the contest period. Dental TLC has the right to verify the eligibility of each entrant.

Terms and conditions may apply. Incidental expenses and all other costs and expenses not specifically listed as part of a prize in these rules or otherwise outlined in the promotion and which may be associated with the award, acceptance, receipt, and use of all or any portion of the awarded prize are solely the responsibility of the respective prize winner. All federal, state and local taxes associated with the receipt or use of any prize is solely the responsibility of the winner. The prize is non-transferrable and may not be substituted for cash or other prizes.

This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. By participating in this promotion, you understand that you are entering into a promotion with Dental TLC and you are providing your information to Dental TLC and not to Facebook. Any questions, comments, or complaints should be directed to Dental TLC, not Facebook.

By participating in this contest, entrants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Dental TLC and it’s employees, contractors, and affiliates, and Facebook from any and all liabilities and damages directly or indirectly incurred.

By participating in this contest, entrants grant Dental TLC permission to use his/her name, likeness, comments, and imagery for promotional purposes without payment, except where prohibited by law.

Dental TLC contact information:
290 Hilderbrand Drive
Suite A-9
Atlanta, GA 30328

Any questions, comments, or complaints should be sent to: consult@dentaltlc.com